Braves Push Back Chris Sale Start

The Atlanta Braves are on the verge of returning to the MLB postseason, holding an 88-63 record and a sizable lead in the National League East. Atlanta is giving ace Chris Sale extra rest rather than starting him against the Cubs or Astros, with his next outing expected during next week’s series against Cincinnati and potentially aligned as a tune-up before the Wild Card round. Sale has been outstanding at age 37, posting a 2.18 ERA, 190 strikeouts and nine consecutive quality starts, making him central to the Braves’ playoff hopes. Rookie right-hander JR Ritchie is expected to replace Sale in the rotation after pitching well recently at Triple-A. The Braves’ pitching depth has been further weakened by Reynaldo López’s placement on the 15-day injured list with recurring right shoulder inflammation, adding to existing concerns involving Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and other young arms.